Sleeping is better/worse than shutting down your Mac?

Hi guys i might get the new MBP once it comes out and i wonder what's better when I'm not using my Mac overnight and so on, turning it off or just sleeping it?
Apple clearly states in every manual

Quote

If you arent going to use your MacBook Pro for a couple of days or longer, its best to shut it down.

Click to expand...

What's better for the Computer life? What does sleeping mean? It just turns Hard drives and the screen of or does it save the state of the computer on the HD and it almost turns off? The first time i read i say "Oh BS i'll turn it off every time i don't use it, now i want to know the truth

I only turn off my machine when I have to. Works great. Sleep is perfect, it just stores off all states, and keeps the hardware in low power mode. Then when you lift the lid it wakes everything up in a second or two. Love the feature.

MacRumors attracts a broad audience
of both consumers and professionals interested in
the latest technologies and products. We also boast an active community focused on
purchasing decisions and technical aspects of the iPhone, iPod, iPad, and Mac platforms.